README.rdoc

rake-compiler

rake-compiler aims to help Gem developers while dealing with Ruby C
extensions, simplifiying the code and reducing the duplication.

It follows *convention over configuration* and set an standarized
structure to build and package C extensions in your gems.

This is the result of expriences dealing with several Gems that required
native extensions across platforms and different user configurations where
details like portability and clarity of code were lacking.

An Overview

Let's summarize what rake-compiler provides:

No custom rake tasks required. Less code duplication and errors.

Painlessly build extensions on different platforms (Linux, OSX and
Windows).

Will do all the compile process for us, putting the result extension inside
lib directory.

NOTE: Please be aware that building C extensions requires the proper
development environment for your Platform, which includes libraries,
headers and build tools. Check your distro / vendor documentation on how to
install it.

Generate native gems

A common usage scenario of rake-compiler is generate native gems that
bundles your extensions.